Jisc’s spring and summer events 2016 – discover how to maximise the power of digital

When I attend an event I want to walk away having been inspired, having learnt a thing or two and, more importantly, wanting to share how brilliant a session or speaker was. When that happens, I know that it’s been a worthwhile experience.

Both are being designed to engage attendees from across higher and further education to explore ideas in digital, find practical advice and assistance – but most importantly to share, learn and enthuse.

Confirmed speakers

We’ve already had some fantastic speakers confirmed for both events.

Professor John Traxler, professor of mobile learning and director learning lab at the University of Wolverhampton and Professor John Naughton, Guardian and the Observer technology specialist and, amongst other roles, emeritus professor of the public understanding of technology at the Open University, will be joining delegates at Digifest 2016, exploring and celebrating the power of digital.

They’ll be joined by Chrissi Nerantzi, who specialises in creative learning and teaching and Andrew Harrison, whose focus is space and place and what these mean for the future of learning. So, lots to explore and discuss there.

Then at Networkshop44, we have a host of expert sector practitioners, willing to share their thoughts, experiences and ideas.

So yet again we are bringing together sector managers, innovators and experts to discuss critical issues and are designed to provide practical solutions to help attendees learn, share and be inspired. And to have some fun too!

So what do you need to know?

Networkshop44, the next chapter for Jisc’s longest-running conference, is more for those managers, senior managers, technical system and security specialists from the UK research and education community, and takes place between 22 – 24 March 2016 at the University of Manchester.

Feedback from previous events

We know from the feedback that we receive that people value these conferences. They tell us that they offer real benefit and provide a chance for everyone using digital technology to discuss key themes, share challenges, and learn about world-class solutions.

But don’t just take my word for that, talking about this year’s Digifest, Conrad Taylor, e-learning manager at City of Wolverhampton College, explains in this podcast why he believes Digifest is an unmissable event.

He says:

“It’s a place to discuss what’s going on in the sector, see different approaches by different institutions and explore new technology. The event covers a variety of topics and included short-burst interactive workshops – and there was something for everyone. The best thing [reflecting on 2015’s event] was that the discussion didn’t just last over two days. It continued for days afterwards.

“I found Digifest very useful for me in my role in e-learning. There was a strong focus on teaching and learning and how technology can support both.”

And talking about this year’s Networkshop, Jill Bell, network manager at the University of Bradford, tells us in this podcast why the event has become a firm annual fixture which has informed and improved her own approach to IT:

“Networkshop’s value is in the people who attend – you can meet people who are doing the same job as you and debate issues of the day. The exhibition is great and a good opportunity to meet vendors. Most of the main manufacturers for this area – networking infrastructure – are represented. It’s a good way to build a once-a-year roundup of developments.

Presentations are given by people working within the university or education environment and there are quite a few case studies, which give tips and tricks of the trade.”

So both very popular, valued and useful events which is, of course, what you’d expect from us!

Spring summer events series

Digifest 2016 and Networkshop44 are the headline events in a series of events we’ll be offering across the UK over the spring and summer of 2016. Each one will enable you to make the most of digital – so keep an eye out for more details during the new year.

Digifest 2016 is free to attend, but you are required to register online to secure your place.

For Networkshop44, you can also book tickets online, and if you do that before the end of the year you can get our special early bird discount.

So, I do hope you can join me, Jisc’s experts and local customer teams in either Manchester, Birmingham - or both even!

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About the author

Executive director marketing and communications, Jisc

My role is to ensure we deliver a cohesive member experience strategy and organisational approach – reflecting a deep and sustained understanding of our members’ needs. This focus informs and drives all of our operational and strategic priorities – steadily moving Jisc from a ‘product’ organisation to a ‘solution’ organisation.